Skip to main content
$5,267Tuition
897Students
24%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,594Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About North Central Michigan College

North Central Michigan College serves the Petoskey area as a stepping stone for students seeking career training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities. The college enrolls 897 students in a town-remote setting that offers the charm of northern Michigan's lakes region. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 14-to-1 student-faculty ratio. The Timberwolves compete in seven varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics play a supporting role to the college's core mission of workforce development and academic preparation.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,600 after aid, while middle-income families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $3,965. Graduates earn a median of $36,594 ten years after enrollment, which provides solid returns given the typical debt load of $14,000. Monthly loan payments average $148, making this education accessible for working-class families in northern Michigan.

The student body skews female at 62% and draws entirely from Michigan residents. With an employment rate of 97.2% and housing for just 154 students, this college functions more as a commuter school serving local workforce needs than a traditional residential campus experience.

Academics & Faculty

North Central Michigan College serves as a practical stepping stone for students in northern Michigan's Petoskey region. The college offers career training programs alongside transfer options for students planning to continue at four-year universities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classroom settings. However, the 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The college focuses on workforce development programs that align with northern Michigan's tourism and healthcare industries. Students benefit from hands-on training in programs designed to meet local employer needs while keeping costs manageable for the region's working-class families.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
24.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,594

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,589
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $33,565
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $31,851
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $23,600
Physical Sciences. Associate $22,578
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Associate $19,455

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

North Central Michigan College sits in Petoskey, a resort town on Little Traverse Bay about 45 minutes from Traverse City. The campus serves 897 students, with only 154 housing spots available, meaning most students commute from nearby communities. Women make up nearly 62% of enrollment, and 100% of students come from Michigan.

Winter dominates the academic calendar here. Students need heavy coats from November through March as lake-effect snow blankets the region. The proximity to Boyne Mountain and other ski resorts shapes weekend life for many students. Others head to Petoskey's downtown waterfront or work part-time jobs in the area's tourism industry. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic environment where professors know students by name.

With just 66 athletes across seven sports, the Timberwolves compete in small-scale NCCAA athletics. The employment rate of 97.2% reflects strong connections to local employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. Monthly loan payments average $148, manageable for graduates entering the regional workforce.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
154 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–27°F
July Avg
56°–76°F
Annual Precipitation
64.9"
Annual Snowfall
122.8"

Student Demographics

North Central Michigan College draws students exclusively from within Michigan, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor in the Petoskey region. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 897 students, typical for a community college emphasizing health sciences and human services programs. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The predominantly white student body mirrors northern Michigan's demographics. These local students choose North Central for practical programs that lead directly to employment in the area's healthcare, hospitality, and skilled trades sectors.
Men
38.0%
Women
62.0%
White
82.7%
Black
3.2%
Hispanic
1.9%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.1%

Location

North Central Michigan College sits in Petoskey, a resort town along Lake Michigan's northern shoreline about 260 miles northwest of Detroit. The college draws 897 students to this scenic area known for its Victorian architecture and proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Petoskey serves as a gateway to Michigan's northern wilderness, with nearby ski resorts and state parks attracting tourists year-round. The town transforms from a quiet community of 6,000 residents to a bustling summer destination. All students come from Michigan, reflecting the college's role as a regional center. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare North Central Michigan College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Petoskey, Michigan 49770

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,594
Median Earnings (5 years)
$38,991
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,300
Loan Repayment Rate
43.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at North Central Michigan College?

North Central Michigan College serves 897 students with an open admission policy typical of community colleges. The school draws exclusively from in-state residents, making it accessible to local students seeking career training or transfer preparation in the Petoskey area.

How much does North Central Michigan College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,457 annually, with low-income families paying just $4,600. The total cost of attendance reaches $17,503 including room and board, though most students commute to this community college serving northern Michigan.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Central Michigan College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its career-focused programs. This small-scale environment helps students transition between high school and either four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at North Central Michigan College?

The college reports a 24.20% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 97.2% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median of $36,594 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's emphasis on practical career training for the local economy.

Where do students live at North Central Michigan College?

The campus houses 154 students in on-campus facilities, though most of the 897 enrolled students commute from the surrounding area. The college sits in Petoskey, a town in northern Michigan known for its proximity to outdoor recreation and tourism industries.

Does North Central Michigan College offer athletics programs?

The Timberwolves compete in 7 varsity sports with 66 total athletes participating in NCCAA competition. The athletic department awards $97,351 in scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small northern Michigan community.